I'm new here, so I'm sorry if this is a duplicate post. I searched the first dozen or so pages here and didn't really see what I was looking for.

I'm hoping to make the jump into vinyl. I want something that's gonna open my eyes (ears) to the hi-fi vinyl experience, but I don't have unlimited funds.

If I can get a full setup (TT, amp, speakers) for under $1000, that would be great. But if it's not realistic to get a good setup on that budget, please, tell me that, too.

I've been researching TTs for a while and the Pro-Ject Debut III has stood out so far as a good entry-level TT (affordable, easy to set up, and good sound quality).

After that, my head starts spinning.

Would it be better to go for an integrated amp, or separate? What speakers are worth looking at that would fit in that price range? Do I need to spend more money to really get a setup that will give me a taste of what hi-fi can do?

I don't need more than 2-channel stereo. A headphone jack would be great, as well.

I did this for AudioKarma...and here's what I came up with. I don't know how these components compare with true 'audiophile' components, but I'd sure enjoy having this....

The speakers are without shipping, and everything else should be able to had for $1000 WITH shipping.

Turntable: Technics SL-1200Mk2. From www.kabusa.com $500Shure M97 cartridge: about #80Hafler DH-101 preamphafler HD-200 power ampDouble New Large Advent speakers, 2 re-foam kits to re-foam the woofers. The way you set these up is that you put one set on some stands about 8" high and then flip the others upside down and put them on top. Sounds crazy, but it's VERY good.

That's what I would probably bu (or something close) if I had $1000 to spend on audio gear, but I would add a DBX 300 source switcher for my many tape decks (-:

This system also allows for many upgrades, mods, and replacements easily and at low cost.

Just my 2 cents. Feel free to shoot me down if I am completely off-base about the quality of this gear....

The only way that I can really explain that the Technics is NOT a DJ brand, is to give you the history.

In 1969, Matsushita developed the Direct Drive drive system as we know it today. They made a turntable called the SP-10. I THINK that they created the Technics brand name for this turntable, but I am not sure. This was a massive success with audiophiles and radio stations (the Mk2 version, the Mk1 is pretty primitive), and many are still in use today, having been used every day for 30+years. But the general public did not want to mess with a standalone turntable, and have to deal with mounting an arm correctly, buying the seperate arm...and everything that goes along with that.

So what Technics did, was they made the SL-1200, with the drive system of the SP-10, but with the convenience of a high-quality arm built in. This was intended to be an audiophile grade turntable that was built to LAST. Not your average home HiFi turntable.

DJ's quickly caught onto this turntable, for it's road-worthiness, massive torque, and pitch control. They were the only turntable at the time that could stand up to the beatings that club use could dish out to a turntable.So they caught on, and many were bought, and then Technics decided to close down that turntable.

There was an uproar in the DJ community, and used ones started selling for insane money for a couple years. So technics put it back into production, exactly as before, as an audiophile grade turntable that was built well enough to survive 30+ years of DJ road use, provided that they are handled carefully.

That's how they came to be known as a "DJ" brand. THEY'RE NOT. At least, not initially, and they never changed their build quality nor the quality of the parts.

In the realm of used Receivers, you could try one of the Marantz 22XX series....like the 2270, 2250, 2385 (if you want massive power), I personally like the looks of the 2275 best.....the 22XX series are GREAT RECEVIERS.

One slightly forgotten thing (in my opinion) about gear is that you will enjoy it more if it pleases the eye. I have not seen too much stuff that I would enjoy looking at for the next 10 years.....not at the expense of QUALITY, mind you, but IMO the silver gear of yesteryear cannot be beat, looks-wise....but I do loke a lot of black gear, too....I really rate stuff on what I think of it, and not the looks...looks are a bonus.

Quote:Double New Large Advent speakers, 2 re-foam kits to re-foam the woofers. The way you set these up is that you put one set on some stands about 8" high and then flip the others upside down and put them on top. Sounds crazy, but it's VERY good.

The Project will also significantly better the Technics. Many years ago I had a customer INSIST on putting a Sumiko Bluepoint #2 on a 1200 even though I told him he wouldn't hear the difference because of the limitations of the 'table. I did it, he heard that he had wasted his money so he bought a new turntable and I mounted his new cartridge to that table. He was absolutely floored.

I just bought the Pro-Ject Debut III. That upgraded Rega looked like a pretty good setup, but I got a decent deal on the Pro-Ject ($~260 +tax) so it seemed like a no-brainer for an intro table.

Now, on to speakers. Are there any good floor standing speakers out there under $400 for the pair? Or is that just impossible? Any other suggestions on speakers? I would love to compile a list of contenders and then listen to 'em.

Also, I'm new to this site. I've spent some time reading the reviews of budget speakers and I haven't read a bad one yet. Do they only review good gear or should I be taking those reviews with a helping of salt?

I'm planning on worrying about the amp later. When I have the speakers figured out. I'll probably go used for that. Any to look out for?

Now, on to speakers. Are there any good floor standing speakers out there under $400 for the pair? Or is that just impossible? Any other suggestions on speakers? I would love to compile a list of contenders and then listen to 'em.

It's really tough to get decent floor standers for $400. Even the floor standers that are available for that kind of money will be significantly bass deficient. I would recommend raising the budget for the speakers if possible.

Quote:

Also, I'm new to this site. I've spent some time reading the reviews of budget speakers and I haven't read a bad one yet. Do they only review good gear or should I be taking those reviews with a helping of salt?

Yes to both. They only review equipment that they think will get a good review. They cherry pick the systems to see which ones tickle their fancy. As far as taking the reviews with a grain of salt, different reviewers have different priorities and what they deem as important may not be as important to you and vice versa. I would not go strictly on a reviewer's word unless the reviewer is on the same wavelength as you are.

Quote:

I'm planning on worrying about the amp later. When I have the speakers figured out. I'll probably go used for that. Any to look out for?

Thanks again.

Your speaker choice will dictate your choice in amps. It's tough to make a recommendation unless you tell us which speakers you want and your amp budget.

For the most part products are chosen for review in Stereophile because they sounded promising at trade shows. So the very fact that something is being reviewed almost guarantees a certain level of quality. It was discussed in depth at:

The Athena LS-500 tower is available at AudioAdvisor for $300/pair. They are a pretty damn good deal. I've not heard the LS-500, but supposedly they are an improvement over the F2 which I have heard and thought was pretty good for the money. They really benefit from a good room and positioning ala Cardas.

Quote:The Athena LS-500 tower is available at AudioAdvisor for $300/pair. They are a pretty damn good deal. I've not heard the LS-500, but supposedly they are an improvement over the F2 which I have heard and thought was pretty good for the money. They really benefit from a good room and positioning ala Cardas.

Quote:I did this for AudioKarma...and here's what I came up with. I don't know how these components compare with true 'audiophile' components, but I'd sure enjoy having this....

The speakers are without shipping, and everything else should be able to had for $1000 WITH shipping.

Turntable: Technics SL-1200Mk2. From www.kabusa.com $500Shure M97 cartridge: about #80Hafler DH-101 preamphafler HD-200 power ampDouble New Large Advent speakers, 2 re-foam kits to re-foam the woofers. The way you set these up is that you put one set on some stands about 8" high and then flip the others upside down and put them on top. Sounds crazy, but it's VERY good.

That's what I would probably bu (or something close) if I had $1000 to spend on audio gear, but I would add a DBX 300 source switcher for my many tape decks (-:

This system also allows for many upgrades, mods, and replacements easily and at low cost.

Just my 2 cents. Feel free to shoot me down if I am completely off-base about the quality of this gear....

That's a good recommendation - for 1973. Interesting. I'm not saying you're wrong, but I think you can do better with more current equipment.The Advents I think were good for their time for frequency response and good bass and neutrality, but I think they really lack for a sense of depth and soundstaging.

For your Advents may I suggest experimentation with a baffle step compensation circuit? Very easily created and it improves the sound dramatically. I have two incorporated into my system (preamp has two outputs going to two power amps, each channel powering a speaker in the stacked pair) and there is a noticable difference. I found that room treatments made an incredible improvement as well. I think many people would find in a blind listening that stacked double Large Advents in a good room, driven by ample clean power and a good source a satisfying experience. New woofer surrounds and updated crossover components also help rejuvenate Advents.

Quote:Now, on to speakers. Are there any good floor standing speakers out there under $400 for the pair? Or is that just impossible? Any other suggestions on speakers? I would love to compile a list of contenders and then listen to 'em.

Consider Magnaplaners in the MG series, available direct from Maggie. They run about $500 but sound MUCH better than conventional speakers anywhere near the price.

Quote:Almost anything with 50 watts or more will work with those Maggies

I have to STRONGLY disagree with that statement. Maggies LOVE the power, it's not a myth it's a FACT. I've worked with every current Magnepan model integrated each of them into numerous systems. Even the MMGs and the 12QR really require at least 100 REAL watts , unless we're talking about someone who massively under rates their power such as Bryston. The Bryston B60 is fantastic with them, it

I ran a set using a Jolida 202 40 watt integrated TUBED amp for a decade. If you do not require 100db sound levels or have a small room, the Maggies WILL sound better than any box speaker I can think of for the same money. I am not speaking of giant Maggies but the MG series. Yes, they do sound better with a lot of power, but they sound very good indeed played at reasonable levels with less power.

Having said that, when I replaced the old Jolida amp with a new, and more power Prima Luna, I was not able to get the performance I desired and moved the speakers to my TV system. Still, well worth a try as that speaker does sound better than it box competition. What are you planning for amplification, or did you already say and I missed it?

Whome? said, "If I can get a full setup (TT, amp, speakers) for under $1000, that would be great. But if it's not realistic to get a good setup on that budget, please, tell me that, too."

The $1000 was what kept me away from suggesting Magnepan MMGs. Unless someone was really careful, knowledgeable, and lucky assembling even a used system with the $450 they had left after purchasing the MMG they could easily go wrong. It's not impossible but an extreme challenge with used gear for someone with an extensive knowledge of audio, not a beginner. My advice was tailored for for the maximum chance of success for someone starting out.